Independent Member of Oldham Council’s Audit Committee

Oldham Council

Job Ref: M/OL-90703

Oldham Council is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, and our Audit Committee is a key part of ensuring that we meet those standards.

The Council is currently looking to appoint an independent co-opted Member of the Committee, to contribute of its work in promoting excellence in governance, risk management, financial reporting and counter fraud.

Independent Members are expected to actively participate in meetings of the Committee, and demonstrate independence, integrity, objectivity and impartiality in their decision-making. They support the Committee in providing independent assurance to the elected Members of the Council, and its wider stakeholders.

Independent Members are non-voting members of the Committee, who assist in overseeing internal and external audit arrangements, reviewing and scrutinising financial statements, and reviewing and assessing the governance, risk management and control of the authority.

About you

The Audit Committee is seeking an Independent Member with a range of skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• risk management
• treasury management
• audit
• governance
• finance
• working knowledge of the operation of an Audit Committee

A background in audit or finance in public services, or the not-for-profit sector, would be an advantage.

Independent Members will be appointed for an initial four-year period with the potential for this to be extended for a further four years.

Successful candidates will receive an annual allowance of £429 and will be expected to attend approximately five Committee meetings per year. Meetings are held in person and may take place at a variety of suitable locations within the Borough.

Candidates will also need to be able to commit sufficient time to read Committee papers in advance of these meetings, liaise with the Chair and to undertake occasional training alongside the other Committee members.

Unfortunately, we cannot consider individuals for appointment if they:

• Are currently a Member, Co-opted Member, or an employee or a consultant to the authority in any capacity, or have been an employee or Elected Member in the last five years;
• Are aware of any potential conflict of interest that could arise in this role, including if you are closely related to, or are a close friend of, any Councillor or senior officer of the Council, or have a close connection to a Council supplier.
• In addition, to be eligible for appointment, a person must not be disqualified from holding office as a Member of the Council. Accordingly, any person who is recommended for appointment will be required to confirm that he/she is not disqualified.

To read minutes from previous meetings of the Audit Committee and gain an understanding of what the role entails, please press Ctrl and click below:

https://committees.oldham.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=134

If you are interested in becoming an Independent Member of the Audit Committee, we would be delighted to hear from you. To apply please send your CV and a supporting statement outlining why you are interested in this opportunity, and how your skills and experience relate to the role no later than Friday 29th March 2024.

For more information or to discuss this opportunity further, please contact John Miller, Head of Internal Audit & Counter Fraud, at john.miller@oldham.gov.uk

Oldham Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like support with this application, an interview or interested in looking at any courses that could help with this position please get in touch with Get Oldham Working - Get Oldham Working registration form - Oldham Council

NB. - Any candidate that meets the criteria of our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme and meets the essential criteria of the role, will be guaranteed the first stage of assessment (whether that is an interview or another assessment, as appropriate).

Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme supports candidates with disabilities, carers, those who are aged 24 or under and have previously been in or currently in care, and those whose last long term substantive employer was the Armed Forces.